HOSPITALITY + ARCHITECTURE
As it has with so many other industries, COVID-19 has turned photography upside down. So much of what we’re used to capturing—a knowing glance between two people, or a jubilant community shot—is unavailable at the moment. My team and I have created a suite of new protocols for protecting the health of our crew and clients on set, but I’ve also been thinking about what kinds of shoots are generally best suited for this period of time. Where can we move with more freedom? Where can we ensure the absolute safest process?
One clear answer came to mind: architecture and hospitality. I’ve always loved the challenge of communicating space through still images. I’ve shot architectural interiors, exteriors, and styled environments for builders, brands, and commercial organizations—always with the goal of conveying the feeling of the place at hand, inviting the viewer to explore further. And, with no models or extensive crews needed, we can showcase spaces with minimal risk. In fact, this may be the perfect category for the era of coronavirus: because so many of these spaces can’t be inhabited due to restrictions in travel and tourism, images are often our lifeline to exploration. From touring prospective homes to virtual museum tours, photos offer a way to shift our experiences of discovery when we can’t see things in person.
– Interiors –
Light is a crucial consideration for interior shots. I adjust my approach based on the clients’ needs, but I always prioritize careful planning, strategic scouting ahead of time, and the best use of natural sunlight and supplemental strobes. I used both of those lighting elements to create these featured images of 26 custom residential renovations for HGTV’s “Love It or List It,” highlighting the new-and-improved spaces within each modern home.
I’ve also worked with multiple builders to showcase their projects with compelling images of entire houses, renovated bedrooms, new bathrooms, distinctive details, and standout styling elements. As construction continues without the usual options for open houses, these photos can help pique the interest of prospective buyers—or convince them entirely.
I love finding the subtle details that define a unique nook or thoughtful combination of visual elements. Patterns, lines, and colors are everywhere—and they intuitively spark interest in the viewer.
To ensure both safety and quality, I make sure that every project is supported by a team that is lean, but effective: senior stylists can set up the space ahead of time, and any necessary light and camera assistants stay distant, but engaged. Our in-house production manager helps streamline production and communicate project details between client and crew.
– exteriors –
Exterior shots cover multiple bases: they highlight architectural details, create a feeling about a specific structure, and place a building within its surroundings. Plus, outside is the safest place to be right now! I’ve captured exteriors for hospitals, developers, and municipalities, among others.
In addition to ground-level shots, this series of work includes images from a drone, as well as some utilizing a scissor lift or large stepladder.
